Summer in California varies greatly in temperature depending on the region, but many places still get quite hot. Why not seek the coolness by heading to the beach or riverside?
My latest discovery is Dinkey Creek, a beautiful river perfect for families, hidden in the Sierra National Forest of California.
I stumbled upon this charming spot while enjoying a camping trip nearby. Here, you can see families and friends having fun, playing with their pets, and children joyfully jumping around the riverside.
I’ll be bringing you details about this hidden gem of California, Dinkey Creek!
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WHERE IS DINKEY CREEK
Dinkey Creek is in the Sierra National Forest. It is between Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. The nearest city is Fresno, about 63 miles (1 hour 20 minutes drive.)
Check-in Office
Please make sure to stop by the Kiosk for day-use payment or camping check-in. Our Day Use fee is just $10, ensuring you a delightful day of adventure and fun in nature.
Here’s the map of Dinkey Creek. The ranger suggested we check out the Honeymoon pools and the day-use area, situated at the road’s end (top of the map). Be aware that there’s a bit of a distance between the Kiosk, Honeymoon Pool, and Day-Use area. You’ll likely need to drive or bike to comfortably travel between these spots.
HONEYMOON POOLS
At the Honeymoon Pool parking area, you’ll find a few picnic benches and a restroom for convenience.
The trail leading to the pool is quite brief, but be prepared for some steep stairs – my kids descended rapidly, giving me quite a scare!
The Honeymoon Pool area is a popular spot for fishing and relaxation. However, I noticed there isn’t much flat space for lounging by the water. We chose not to let our kids swim there, as the depth of the water was unclear and didn’t seem suitable for small children.
Despite this, we still enjoyed the serene beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the Honeymoon Pool area!
DINKEY CREEK DAY USE AREA
Check out this gorgeous view! On our way to the day-use area, we totally lucked out finding this amazing creek – it was such an awesome surprise! Goes to show, sometimes not planning every detail can lead to the best discoveries on an adventure!
The day-use parking area is at the road’s end and isn’t paved. Space can fill up, so consider arriving early, particularly on weekends. Also, you’ll find a non-flushable toilet nearby for convenience.
Getting down to the creek is a bit tricky; there isn’t a well-defined path. As you can tell from the photo, we navigated an unpaved, slippery slope. And boy, I wish I’d remembered to pack water shoes.
Tada! Such a chill vibe here, totally worth the visit. Dogs frolicking by the creek, people chilling with family and friends – it’s the perfect spot. Next time, I’ll bring a picnic blanket and laze the day away!
Check out this natural creek slide! My boys couldn’t get enough of it – they were sliding over and over again, not even minding the chilly water. They had an absolute blast!
Check out this awesome shallow slide with a gentle current – it’s a hit with the kids! My boys couldn’t get enough, sliding down one by one. Watching them revel in the beauty of nature just warms my heart!
Final THOUGHTS
This place is truly a hidden gem in the heart of California, and I’m thrilled we discovered it. I only wish we lived closer so I could bring my kids to Dinkey Creek more often. It’s funny, being at the creek feels like being at sea level, but it’s around 5,700 feet up! Remember to pack plenty of sunblock and stay hydrated – the sun’s rays are much stronger at higher elevations.
When heading out to Dinkey Creek, be sure to pack these essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable day:
Dinkey Creek
53800 Dinkey Creek Rd, Shaver Lake, CA 93664
2 thoughts on “Explore Dinkey Creek: A Hidden Family Oasis in California”
A bit teary-eyed as I look at all these pictures. Good memories of the early 70tys as a teenager. Stayed at my Dad’s cabin near the Post Office. I remember the
spectacular view of the creek from the porched balcony….thinking…life couldn’t get any better than this. My Dad was a Edgerman at the sawmill, he worked there for 25 year’s till the mill was closed. I also remember the kids I met at a camp. I remember the theater & that huge wooden bridge my Dad & I walked over. I also remember my Dad telling me about a UFO Sighting the night crew had seen, & sounds of a animal that sounded like ” Bigfoot” which was separately reported by someone my Dad knew ,whatever it was which was seen or heard who knows ? is definitely a mystery but, I had a Great time & I will never ever forget the memories. That Mill had life just like my Dad once did. He enjoyed his job there & said all the employees were really nice folks & so we’re the Forest Rangers. I will eventually go back up there to Dinkey when time permits me.
Hi Sandi, thank you for sharing your beautiful memories. It’s amazing how places like Dinkey Creek stay with us through the years. Your story about your Dad, the sawmill, and those unforgettable sights and sounds adds so much meaning to the place. I hope you get to visit again soon!